Primary ITO takes next step towards industry-owned future
8 July 2026
An Interim Establishment Board has been appointed to guide the organisation as it establishes an industry-owned Private Training Establishment (PTE).
This marks an important milestone for vocational education in New Zealand's food and fibre sectors. As an independent, industry-owned training provider, the new organisation will strengthen industry leadership of vocational education and ensure training continues to respond to the evolving needs of employers, learners and the industries it serves.
The future Private Training Establishment is intended to be owned by shareholder organisations representing New Zealand's primary industries, ensuring the sectors it supports have a direct role in its governance and strategic direction.
Primary ITO Chief Executive Ginny Vincent said the move to an industry-owned model represents an exciting new chapter for vocational education in the food and fibre sectors.
The Interim Establishment Board brings together highly experienced leaders from governance, agribusiness, vocational education and the wider food and fibre sectors.
Chair Ripeka Evans brings extensive governance experience across the primary sector, infrastructure, health, education, technology and iwi organisations. She is an independent director of Horticulture New Zealand, director of Wellington Regional Council Holdings, Greater Wellington Rail, director and Deputy Chair of Te Hau Ora O Ngāpuhi and Chair of the Joint Research Committee for the Mana Wahine Kaupapa Inquiry. Ripeka has Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu and Ngāti Porou whakapapa. Her strategic leadership will guide the establishment of a strong, future-focused organisation that remains closely connected to industry.
Joining her on the Board are:
- Andrea Leslie, with a thirty-five-year career in vocational education, she has held senior leadership roles with Primary ITO and Te Pūkenga. Having been a partner in a South Canterbury sheep and beef family farming business, Andrea combines deep expertise in industry training with firsthand knowledge of New Zealand's food and fibre sectors.
- Warwick Tauwhare-George (Ngāi Tahu - Ngāti Wheke, Ngāti Waewae; Ngāti Hikairo - Waipapa), an experienced company director with governance expertise across agribusiness, infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy and tourism. He currently Chairs Ngai Tahu Hldgs Corporation and is a Director on the boards of Centreport, Riverlock Group Hldgs, Tainui Group Hldgs, Venture Taranaki, Beef+Lamb NZ and Tui Ora Ltd.
- Stephen Guerin, Chief Executive of PGG Wrightson, brings extensive executive leadership, financial and governance experience gained over nearly four decades with one of New Zealand's leading agribusinesses. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. Stephen is also a Director of Safer Farms and is the Chair and director on a Music Therapy NZ a charity operating in the community health space. His experience provides an important employer perspective and strong understanding of workforce capability across the rural sector.
Establishment Board Members from left: Ripeka Evans (Chair), Stephen Guerin, Andrea Leslie, Warwick Tauwhare-George
The establishment of the Board is another significant milestone towards an industry-owned Private Training Establishment. Together with its future shareholder organisations, the Board will help shape a sustainable, industry-led organisation dedicated to developing the skilled workforce New Zealand's food and fibre sectors need to thrive.
For more information or media enquiries, please contact info@primaryito.ac.nz.